6 Convertibles You'll Love

Both by design and by virtue of its sheer mass (this model tips the scales at 3,800 pounds), the SC 430 is built more for cruising than for speed. But a powerful V8 engine that cranks out 300 horsepower does keep the Lexus in the running when it comes to performance. The SC 430 can reach a top speed of 156 miles per hour and goes from 0 to 60 in just over 6 seconds.

Best feature: Lexus is known for its luxury rides and that smooth sensation carries over into the SC 430. The two front leather seats won't cramp you in the slightest (although the backseat, as with most convertibles, is rather small). Rack and pinion steering further complete the effortless driving experience.

Who it's for: The guy who plans to share his new convertible with his wife.

Take a 2005 Chrysler 300, cut the roof off and pimp out the features and you've got yourself a Helios. Strangely enough, the subtraction of the roof led to an additional 300 pounds, but otherwise its performance equals that of the Chrysler 300, which comes standard with a 5.7 liter HEMI V8 engine, taking it from 0 to 60 in just over 6 seconds. Add the fact that it's a four-door convertible, and you've got one of the most unique set of wheels on the road.

Best feature: You bought a car, but you got a Sony. ACS, the company that took the roof off the 300, teamed up with Sony to give the Helios the latest in high-tech gadgets. The driver gets a state-of-the-art navigation system and screen that displays three-dimensional renderings of what the driver should see as he approaches his location. The passengers get their own DVD monitors, and all occupants can hear the 400-watt music over its 13 speakers.

Who it's for: The pimp in all of us.

5- 2005 Cadillac XLRManufacturer's retail price: $75,835

A 4.6-liter V8 powers the less than slim XLR, and this 320 horsepower engine does a good job of moving the 3,500-pound XLR from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds. Sadly, however, the top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. While the XLR may look like a sports car (it shares a chassis with the Corvette) it's more of a flashy luxury car — old-fashioned door handles have given way to push buttons.

Best feature: This car is a convertible, but you're not going to get the flimsy convertible feel with the top up on a rainy day. The XLR comes with push-button retractable hard-top roof, giving you the feel of a hard-top car with the options of a convertible.

Who it's for: Your father.

6- 2005 Honda S2000Manufacturer's retail price: $33,150

The S2000 comes with a 240-horsepower four-cylinder engine. That may not sound like much, but then consider Honda's innovative engine timing, which allows the driver to get a ton of power out of a relatively small plant. Couple that with weight of 2,800 pounds and it's not surprising that the S2000 can beat the Boxster going 0 to 60.

Best feature: Guys rave about how the S2000 handles. This is a rigid car with nearly equal weight distribution from front to back, making it ideal for taking tight curves at high speeds.

Who it's for: The guy who knows that top names don't always equal top performance.

cool convertibles

No matter what car you buy, a convertible always elevates your choice. A lot of guys love the feel of the wind as they test the car's throttle, and a lot of guys like the feel of the sun on their skin as they cruise around town.

But by far the best reason to pick up a convertible is that it puts you, the driver, front and center for the entire world to see. Trust me, chicks dig convertibles.